CLB

Hi Patti - I believe it also took about 10 - 14 days for me to see side effects. The Tarceva side effects that I have had are the rash and diarreha. I have been on Tarceva since 3/07 and so far, I would say that the benefits are definitely out weighing the side effects. All of my scans so far have been either stable or improved. I totally understand what you mean about not being sure if you feel like you are comfortable with just taking a pill vs. chemo infusions. I was so nervous that the pill wouldn't be as aggressive as chemo was. Hang in there!! Col

i am with snowflake......i look back and wonder how in the world I thought that was fat....if only i had known how much worse it would be getting. hahahahahaha

YARD

I had a light, but persistent cough & a slight "rattle" sound in my chest when I laid downl- both diagnosed by my GP as allergies since my lungs sounded clear. I noticed being SOB several times, but attributed that to being very out of shape and overweight. Looking back, I see now that I wasn't eating well and lost a lot of weight, was very moody, and VERY tired (to the point where I would sleep in my car at lunch time so I could make through the day at work). Next, I started to see a persistent "spot" in my vision on my right eye. Opthamologist sent me for MRI for a swollen optice nerve. MRI showed brain tumor. Brain tumor removed and diagnosed as metastatic NSCLC. whew - thank goodness for my eye doctor!!!!

Pottstown, PA - I got it for $4.03 yesterday

Even I have to say that is great, JB!!! hahahahaha!!

Hi Anne - I am also a Stage IV survivor. I was dx in October 2006 - NSCLC with mets to brain and bone. I know just how you feel - I have a 3 1/2 year son and I have been in a similar sort of slump. I just want to be here for him and to see him grow. I can't stand the thought of him having to deal with losing his Mom. My last scans in April showed that things are stable, but now I seemed to have caught a cold that reminds me of the "symptoms" I was having before anyone ever thought about the possibility I might have cancer....so of course that justs puts me into panic mode and throws me into all those thoughts of sticking around for Jack. You are right - we have a long time until these guys are graduating and stuff - so let's keep fighting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Col

Hi Gracie - I had WBR after my brain tumor had been removed. The fatigue was the main side effect that I had. I was able to continue with chemo while undergoing WBR and lung radiation. I did lose my hair, which the Dr. said is more due to WBR than the chemo. WBR was great for me - and I am praying and hoping that the same goes for your sister! Colleen

:DYAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is awesome Sharon!!!!!!!

i bet JB would say that too!! hahahaha that was a good one!!

JB - you are right. I was thinking of the Cedars Point trip when I wrote that ) I remember thinking how pathetic it was that at in my early 20s, I hadn't been further west than Pittsburgh, PA. I can't believe I actually made it to LA, even if it was only for one night. I always love the Jersey shore, but seeing more of the country by train sounds good to me too!!

definitely - sounds like a great trip. I would love to see more of the country...i haven't too much further than the east coast.

Probably that I am still not back at work - for some reason that bothers me. I am not sure that going back full time would be the best for me now, but I just like to keep that quiet if I can. Other than that, I usually tell anything too.

thanks everyone!!!!! i know none of us want to be feeling any of this, but at least we know that we all feeling similar things and we can come here for comfort. THANK YOU!! Janet it is funny you said that about the Tarceva side effects.....I was so happy this afternoon when I had a bout of dirarreha too. I kept thinking - ok this is a sign that the Tarceva is working!! Hhahahahahahahah. too funny!

Thanks Patti!!!! Even though it is nothing either of us want to be feeling, it does help to know that we are not alone in feeling this way. Every little thing anymore seems to set me off in tears....something new Jack learns, seeing him run around, watching him sleep. And there are the times when I freak out because I cough a little bit, or I get tired easily. The best one was when I got all freaked out because my skin looked like it wasn't as broken out as usual from the Tarceva.....my onc., nuerosurgeon, and radiation doc all said that seeing the side effects are a good sign - must mean that the meds are working. So, of course I get upset when I don't see the rash. 2 years ago I would have been upset to see my face the way it is now. Craziness - although I am luck to have my son who tells me that I am beautiful everyday. He is the best!! You hang in there too!!!! Col